Inflammatory marker YKL-40 levels in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is a diagnosis of exclusion and presents with unexplained pruritus, abnormal liver function tests, and increased serum bile acid levels, particularly in the third trimester of pregnancy. Serum YKL-40 levels are increased in liver diseases and our aim was to investigate YKL-40 levels in pregnant women with ICP. 40 women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and 40 healthy pregnant women were included in this cross-sectional study. Serum YKL-40 levels were measured in both groups and correlation analysis were performed between the YKL-40 and other liver function tests. Serum YKL-40 concentrations were higher in the intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy group than in the control group (103.46 ± 53.03 vs. 57.60 ± 30.30 ng/ml, p = .002). The cutoff YKL-40 serum concentration was 84.80 ng/ml for the diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. There was no correlation between fasting bile acids and YKL-40 levels. However, there was a significant positive correlation between the YKL-40 levels and aspartate aminotransferase (r = 0.22, p = .04) and alanine aminotransferase (r = 0.24, p = .02). Raised YKL-40 levels might support the evidence on inflammatory processes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Increased pancreatic-derived factor (PANDER) levels in gestational diabetes mellitus.

The aim of the study was to investigate the pancreatic-derived factor (PANDER) levels in healthy pregnant women and in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A total of 50 women consecutively diagnosed with GDM and 30 randomly selected age-matched and gestational-age-matched healthy pregnant women were included in this cross-sectional study. Serum PANDER levels and other variables were analyzed. The age, the gestational age at the time, the blood sample was obtained and the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels of the GDM and control groups were similar. The body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and serum PANDER levels were significantly higher in the GDM group than the control group. The optimal PANDER cutoff value was 227.2 ng/ml, and the ratios above this value were 100 and 86.6% for sensitivity and specificity, respectively (p=.0001). Serum PANDER levels were higher in women with GDM compared to the control group and were positively correlated with insulin, HOMA-IR, and HbA1c levels. These results suggest that PANDER might be considered a new biomarker for GDM.

Gremlin-1 and gremlin-2 levels in polycystic ovary syndrome and their clinical correlations.

Objective: Gremlin 1 and 2 regulate oocyte primordial follicle transition in animal models. The main objective of this study is to measure the blood levels of Gremlin 1 and 2 in the women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). We also aimed to evaluate the association of these markers with hormonal and biochemical parameters of PCOS as interrupted folliculogenesis in those women is related to metabolic dysfunction. Material and methods: Fifty women with PCOS were diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria, and thirty age-matched female controls were included in this prospective study. Gremlin 1 and 2 levels along with hormonal and metabolic parameters were compared between PCOS and control groups. Results: Serum Gremlin 1 levels were significantly higher in the PCOS group than in the control group (p = .001). Gremlin 2 levels were similar between the groups. Besides, there was a significant positive correlation between Gremlin 1 and insulin levels, Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) (r = 0.305; r = 0.297; r = 0.303, respectively). Conclusion: Our data suggest that Gremlin 1 may be the key regulator in the pathogenesis of PCOS. In future, Gremlin 1 may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of PCOS.

A comparison of pelvic organ prolapse and sexual function after abdominal and laparoscopic hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Hysterectomy is one of the risk factors of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). There is no consensus on whether the route of hysterectomy affects the subsequent development of POP. The aim of the study was to assess POP and sexual function 1 year after a hysterectomy when comparing total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) with total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). The study applied the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) as the measure of POP and a short-form of the POP/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12). MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients that underwent either TAH or TLH due to benign causes between March 2016 and March 2017 at the tertiary hospital used for the study were included in our prospective cohort study. POP-Q measurements and PISQ-12 scores were assessed 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: We included 182 patients in the clinical examinations. There were no statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics between the TAH and TLH groups. Also, there we no differences observed in the objective POP measurements between the two study groups. Results of the two groups' PISQ-12 scores were also similar. However, postoperative vaginal lengths were found to be significantly shorter in the patients who had undergone TAH compared with those who had undergone TLH. CONCLUSIONS: TAH and TLH are comparable regarding short-term objective pelvic organ prolapse. Although we found statistically a significant difference in vaginal lengths between the two groups, no clinical significance was found in terms of sexual function.

Myomectomy for intramural fibroids during caesarean section: A therapeutic dilemma.

The aim of the present study was to assess the safety of myomectomy for intramural fibroids during caesarean section. A retrospective study of 63 women who underwent myomectomy during caesarean section and 63 women who underwent caesarean delivery without myomectomy was conducted. The study group was divided into subgroups according to the volume of fibroids and total incision count. The volume of fibroids, the preoperative and postoperative haemoglobin values and the difference between them, incidence of haemorrhage and blood transfusion, duration of operation and postoperative fever of patients were investigated. Duration of operation was longer (p < .001) and haemoglobin loss was higher (p = .01) in the myomectomy group. There was no difference between one incision and two incisions subgroups in terms of mean haemoglobin change (p = .068). Haemoglobin loss was higher in volume >50 cm3 group than volume <50 cm3 and control groups. These differences were statistically significant (p = .02; p = .001, respectively). Although intramural fibroids can be safely removed during caesarean section, large fibroids and extra incisions for myomectomy are risk factors for haemorrhage.

Implications of circulating irisin and Fabp4 levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the fatty acid-binding protein-4 (FABP4) and irisin concentrations in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Forty-nine women with PCOS, diagnosed according to Rotterdam criteria and 39 healthy women matched for body mass index (BMI) and age. Serum irisin and plasma FABP4 concentrations were measured in both groups. The association of irisin and FABP4 concentrations with metabolic parameters were also tested. Women with PCOS had significantly lower mean serum irisin concentrations than control subjects (158.5 ± 123.3 versus 222.9 ± 152.2 ng/ml, p < 0.05). Concentrations of FABP4 in PCOS and control groups were not significantly different (10.5 ± 4.4 versus 10.9 ± 4.2 ng/ml, p > 0.05). FABP4 concentrations were correlated with BMI, waist-hip ratio (WHR) and HOMA-IR (r = 0.57, p = 0.001; r = 0.26, p = 0.03; r = 0.26, p = 0.03, respectively). No associations between irisin and all the others parameters except serum levels of LH were found. Serum irisin concentrations of women with PCOS were lower compared to the controls. Moreover, there were no difference in plasma FABP4 concentrations between women with PCOS and controls.

No relationship between osteoprotegerin concentrations and endothelial dysfunction in non-obese women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationships of osteoprotegerin (OPG) concentrations to brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and the carotid artery intima media thickness (CIMT) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: Thirty-seven women with PCOS and 41 controls matched for body mass index (BMI) and age were included in study. The serum OPG concentrations, hormonal and metabolic profiles were measured in women with PCOS and in control group. The CIMT and brachial artery FMD were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: The mean serum concentrations of all hormones were comparable, except LH, which was higher in women with PCOS. Lipid parameters were similar between groups. There were no differences between groups with respect to fasting glucose, 2-h glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c and HOMA-IR. The mean osteoprotogerin concentrations were higher in PCOS group (11.39 ± 2.29 vs. 10.22 ± 2.25 pmol/L, P = 0.026). The mean CIMT was higher in PCOS group than control group (0.52 ± 0.058 vs. 0.45 ± 0.059 mm, P < 0.01). The mean brachial artery FMD was lower in PCOS group (0.068 ± 0.022 vs. 0.055 ± 0.029, P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: We found high osteoprotogerin concentrations, increased CIMT and decreased FMD, in women with PCOS. However, there was no correlation between osteoprotegerin and cardiovascular risk markers.

Serum endocan concentration in women with pre-eclampsia.

PURPOSE: To investigate serum endocan levels in pregnant subjects with and without pre-eclampsia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 49 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and 32 healthy pregnant women matched for gestational age. Maternal levels of serum endocan were measured with the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. RESULTS: Mean endocan levels were not significantly different among groups (10.7 ± 4.5 vs. 10.3 ± 3.2 ng/mL, p 0.763). Mean uterine artery PI and RI were higher in the pre-eclampsia group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Mean endocan levels were negatively correlated with BMI at the time of blood sampling (r = -0.247, p = 0.044). There was no correlations between mean endocan levels and all the others parameters. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the role of endocan in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia was not related to pre-eclampsia; hence, further studies are needed to investigate the role of endocan in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.

Skin closure at cesarean section, polypropylene versus polyglactin 910: a randomized controlled study.

AIM: To compare the rates of surgical wound infection in women who have undergone cesarean delivery with subcuticular skin closure with polyglactin 910 or polypropylene. METHODS: Between April 2018 and October 2018, patients who had undergone a cesarean delivery for any reason were randomized with polyglactin 910 or polypropylene for subcuticular skin closure. Participants were evaluated for wound complications on day 7 and 30 postoperatively. The primary outcome was surgical site infection within the first 30 days following delivery. In addition, factors affecting surgical site infections were analyzed by binary regression. RESULTS: A total of 220 women who had undergone cesarean delivery were randomized and 213 were included in the final analysis. The groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics and perioperative features. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of wound complications or superficial site infections (8.3% in the polypropylene group versus 10.6% in the polyglactin 910 group, p = .642). Similarly, no difference was observed between the groups in terms of other wound complications. A binary logistic regression analysis indicated that superficial wound site infection was not affected by gravidity, BMI, duration of operation, repeated or unplanned cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: It was observed that surgical site infections and other wound complications in skin closures with polyglactin 910 were similar to those with polypropylene.

Assessment of fetal right ventricular myocardial performance index changes following intrauterine transfusion.

INTRODUCTION: Severe fetal anemia may cause cardiac ischemia, reduced contractility, and dysfunction. The purpose of our study is to evaluate right ventricular myocardial performance index (MPI) before and after intrauterine transfusion (IUT) in patients who underwent this procedure because of fetal anemia due to Rh-D alloimmunization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted between January 2018 and June 2019 at Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. The pregnant women who were applied IUT because of fetal anemia due to Rh-D alloimmunization in our perinatology clinic were included in the study. Fetal right ventricular MPI before and 24 h after IUT were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 28 IUTs were performed in 17 pregnant women during the study period. The isovolumetric contraction time (ICT) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) values measured before IUT, were found to be significantly longer compared to the ICT and IRT values measured after IUT. The MPI values measured after transfusion was found to be higher than before transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: The fetal right ventricular MPI increases 24 h after IUT. This increase in the right ventricular MPI might be used as a marker for predicting adverse fetal outcomes following IUT.

Maternal serum mitofusin-2 levels in patients with preeclampsia: the possible role of mitochondrial dysfunction in preeclampsia.

Purpose: Hypoxia alters mitochondria function and our aim was to measure mitochondrial fusion protein mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) in patients with preeclampsia.Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted including 82 pregnant women, 27 with normal pregnancy and 55 with preeclampsia (27 with early-onset preeclampsia and 28 with late-onset preeclampsia). Maternal serum levels of Mfn2 were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.Results: The mean serum mitofusin-2 levels were higher in women with preeclampsia than in the control group (68.02 ± 8.7 pg/mL vs. 99.72 ± 37.27 pg/mL, p < .0001). The mean serum mitofusin-2 level was found to be the highest in the early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) group (EOPE: 101.6 ± 38.5 pg/mL). Maternal serum mitofusin-2 levels correlated with both systolic and diastolic blood pressures as well as uterine artery pulsatility index. The optimal cutoff value of Mfn2 for determining preeclampsia was 75.3 pg/mL.Conclusion: Mfn2 has regulatory roles in stress response. Maternal serum Mfn2 is higher in patients with preeclampsia suggesting that Mfn2 increases in the maternal system as a stress response against hypoxia and endothelial dysfunction.What do the results of this study add? Hypoxia causes mitochondrial dysfunction that has been linked to the etiology of many diseases including preeclampsia. Mitofusin-2 is a mitochondrial fusion protein, and the levels can be altered in preeclampsia. For the first time, we showed that maternal levels of mitofusin-2 are higher in patients with preeclampsia. Further, we reported the correlation of mitofusin-2 with blood pressures and uterine artery pulsatility index. These findings will open up other avenues for researchers to investigate other mitochondrial molecules while under stress.

Maternal serum AMP-activated protein kinase levels in mild and severe preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate Phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) levels in healthy pregnant women and pregnant women with preeclampsia (PE). METHODS: Twenty-eight women with mild-PE, 22 with severe-PE, and 30 normotensive controls were included in this cross-sectional study. The serum AMPK levels of these patients were analyzed. The patients were followed up to delivery. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the groups for age, gravida, parity, and gestational age at the time the blood samples were obtained (p > .05). No significant difference between the group with mild-PE and the control group was found, while in the severe-PE group, serum AMPK levels were significantly higher relative to both the mild-PE and control groups (p < .001 and p < .001, respectively). No correlation was detected between serum AMPK levels and age, body mass index (BMI), and gestational age at the time the blood samples were collected. A negative correlation was found between AMPK levels and gestational week and birthweight at delivery, while a positive correlation was detected between systolic and diastolic blood pressures and AMPK levels. CONCLUSIONS: Serum AMPK was higher in patients with severe-PE compared with healthy pregnant women and patients with PE without severe features so it might be a new biomarker for the prediction of disease and its severity.

Serum procalcitonin levels in incisional surgical site infections requiring a secondary suture after cesarean sections.

Purpose: Surgical site infections (SSIs) after cesarean section cause maternal morbidity and economic and emotional burdens on society. Our aim is to measure procalcitonin (PCT) levels in patients who developed incisional SSIs after cesarean section while also comparing PCT concentrations between patients who underwent a secondary suture and who did not require a secondary suture.Methods: Ninety-four patients who developed incisional SSI after cesarean section were enrolled in our study. At the time of admission, serum PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) counts were measured. The study population was grouped into two, based on the need of a secondary suture and the patients baseline blood tests were compared.Results: The mean serum CRP level was not significant among the groups; however, the median serum PCT level was significantly higher in patients who required a secondary suture (0.21 vs. 0.05 ng/ml, p ≤ .0001). Serum PCT levels were positively correlated with the length of hospital stay (r = 0.72, p = .0001). Area under the curve (AUC) for PCT in predicting the need of a secondary suture was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.772-0.922) and the cutoff point was 0.142 ng/ml with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 97.8% (p = .0001).Conclusion: Serum PCT is a promising marker for both diagnosing and predicting the severity of SSIs after cesarean sections.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03223233.

Increased levels of the novel hepatokine fetuin B in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate liver-derived plasma protein fetuin B levels in healthy pregnant women and pregnant women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty women with ICP and 40 healthy pregnant women were included in this cross-sectional study. The serum fetuin B levels of these patients were analyzed. The patients were followed up to delivery. RESULTS: Maternal age, gravida, parity, BMI at assessment, and gestational age at blood sampling were similar between the ICP and control groups (p > .05). However, the gestational age at delivery and the birth weight were significantly lower in the ICP group (p < .05). Total bile acid (TBA) levels and liver function tests were significantly higher in the ICP group than in the control group (p < .0001 and < .0001, respectively). In addition, serum fetuin B concentrations were significantly higher in the ICP group than in the control group (p < .0001). The best cutoff for fetuin B serum concentration was 5540.2 pg/mL. Serum values greater than this threshold had 80% sensitivity and 65% specificity for the diagnosis of ICP. CONCLUSIONS: Serum fetuin B was higher in patients with ICP compared to healthy pregnant women and might be a new biomarker.

Comparing success rates of the Hayman compression suture and the Bakri balloon tamponade.

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality around the world. Medical treatments and uterus-sparing interventions including balloon tamponades and compression sutures are the first line options before the decision is made to perform a hysterectomy. Our aim is to compare the success rates of the Hayman compression suture and the Bakri balloon tamponade (BBT) in patients with PPH. Methods: We enrolled 82 patients who were diagnosed with uterine atony during their cesarean sections and failed to respond to uterotonic agents. The patients were treated with either a Hayman suture or a BBT. Results: The success rates of the both methods were similar (76.7% in the Hayman group and 74.4% in the BBT group). In both groups, the success rate increased with the addition of artery ligations (93% in the Hayman group and 87.2% in the BBT). Conclusion: The Hayman suture and the BBT's performances were identical in the management of PPH due to uterine atony. All methods have pros and cons and the choice of the intervention depends on a variety of factors including the severity of bleeding, experience of the surgeon and the accessibility of the tools.

Evaluation of maternal serum hypoxia inducible factor-1α, progranulin and syndecan-1 levels in pregnancies with early- and late-onset preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the serum levels of HIF-1 α, progranulin, and syndecan-1 in preeclampsia (PE) and normal pregnancy, and to compare whether these markers demonstrate any difference between early-onset PE (EO-PE) and late-onset PE (LO-PE). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 27 women with EO-PE, 27 women with LO-PE, and 26 healthy normotensive pregnant controls matched for gestational age. Maternal levels of serum HIF-1 α, progranulin, and syndecan-1 were measured with the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the control and the PE groups in progranulin (p < .001) and syndecan-1 (p <.001) levels. There were no significant differences in the serum HIF-1 α levels between these groups (p= .069). When PE patients were evaluated by considering subgroups; statistical analysis revealed significant inter-group differences in all biomarkers. Serum progranulin levels were significantly higher in LO-PE compared with the other two groups (EO-PE versus LO-PE and LO-PE versus controls p = .000). Control group presented significantly higher syndecan-1 levels, than EO and LO-PE (p < .001). HIF-1 α levels positively correlated with progranulin levels (r = .439, p= .000). CONCLUSIONS: Serum progranulin may have potential to be used as a biomarker for the differentiation of EO-PE and LO-PE. The co-operative action between HIF-1 α and progranulin might play a key role in the pathogenesis of LO-PE. The predominant feature of LO-PE seems to be an inflammatory process, whereas in EO-PE placentation problem seems to be the main pathology.

Maternal copeptin levels in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the copeptin levels in women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) compared to women with uncomplicated pregnancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 40 pregnant women with ICP and 38 randomly selected healthy pregnant women, who formed the control group. Serum copeptin concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Maternal age, body mass index at assessment, and gestational age at blood sampling were similar between the two groups. Duration of pregnancy was shorter and mean birth weight was significantly lower in the ICP group compared to the control group. Total bile acid, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma glutamyl transferase levels were significantly higher in the ICP group than in the control group. There was no significant difference in copeptin concentrations (2.54 (2.05) versus 2.43 (1.98) ng/ml; p = .5). CONCLUSIONS: Serum copeptin concentrations did not vary between the pregnancies complicated by ICP and the healthy pregnancy control group.

Maternal levels of growth differentiation factor-15 in patients with preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a stress-induced cytokine and related to the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. Our purpose is to measure the maternal levels of GDF-15 in patients with early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) and late-onset preeclampsia (LOPE). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted including 72 pregnant women, 23 with normal pregnancies and 49 with preeclampsia (26 with EOPE and 23 with LOPE). Maternal serum levels of GDF-15 were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS: The median serum GDF-15 level was found to be the highest in the EOPE group (EOPE: 441.7 pg/ml). The median serum GDF-15 levels were higher in women with preeclampsia than in the control group (309.7 pg/ml vs. 436.6 pg/ml, p: 0.009). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest GDF-15 increased as a response to endothelial injury caused by cytokines triggered by preeclampsia.